Occupational Therapy Assistant

The job of Occupational Therapy Assistant is done for the purpose/s of supporting the learning environment by implementing therapy programs with qualifying students; providing consultative services to school personnel and families; and assisting with program planning and student progress reporting.

This is a 10-month position.

Benefits

• Free Medical, Dental & Vision insurance options (valued at $8,270)
• 100% district paid life insurance, and short term & long-term disability
• Generous paid time off policy
• Retirement Plans - Pension (PEERS), 403(b) and 457(b)

*Benefits overview is published on our website:LPS Benefits Overview

Pay

Classified Salary Schedule: $23.87 - $29.97 per hour (based on relevant work experience)

The Position

• Adapts equipment (e.g. seating, tables, desks, computer hardware, etc.) for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increased independence for special education students.

• Assists with assessing student's fine motor and development skills (e.g. administering tests, observing students, etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.

• Assists Occupational Therapist for the purpose of supporting him/her in the completion of assigned activities.

• Attends meetings and workshops (e.g. IEPS, training, team meetings, meetings with outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information.

• Consults with a variety of personnel (e.g. occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapist, teachers, classroom assistants, families, etc.) for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising student's occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.

• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons (e.g. positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student's IEP plan.

• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, billings, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance.

• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies (e.g. swings, balls, puzzles, etc.) for the purpose ofimplementing motor/therapy goals.

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

• Performs site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.

• Prepares written materials (e.g. activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, Medicaid billings, time studies, summer activities packet, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.

• Presents information (e.g. student performance data, and clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.

• Provides home visits and/or summer therapy services for the purpose of delivering services in compliance with established guidelines.

• Provides training and instruction to teachers on the use of assistive devices for the purpose of ensuring such devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved.

• Provides direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures.

• Reports incidents and observations (e.g. suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to Education Code, administrative and/or school policies.

• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.

• Transports a variety of items (e.g. puzzles, games, swings, assistive devices, assessment tools, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions.

• Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g. computer technology, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and/or providing alternative strategies.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy; operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; and preparing

and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: student behavior management skills; adaptive equipment; and occupational therapy models, practices and theories.

ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a variety of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of types of job-related equipment. Problem

solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; displaying tact and courtesy; being empathic and non-judgmental; and establishing and maintaining effective relationships, especially with students.

Requirements

• Job related experience is required.
• Targeted, job related education with study in job related area.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
• Graduate from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program